On July 10, 2025, Indore once again clinched the title of India’s cleanest city in the Swachh Survekshan 2024, marking its eighth consecutive year at the top. This remarkable achievement, announced by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, solidifies Indore’s position as a global model for urban cleanliness and sustainable waste management. While Surat shared the top spot this year, Indore’s consistent dominance in the national cleanliness survey has sparked widespread admiration and curiosity about the strategies behind its success. From innovative waste management to community-driven initiatives, Indore’s journey offers valuable lessons for cities worldwide.
A Transformative Journey from 149th to First
Indore’s ascent to cleanliness stardom is nothing short of extraordinary. In 2015, the city ranked a dismal 149th in the Swachh Survekshan, plagued by open dumping, inadequate waste collection, and poor public hygiene. Fast forward to 2025, and Indore has transformed into a garbage-free urban hub, celebrated for its pristine streets and efficient systems. This turnaround, often called the “Indore Model,” is rooted in a combination of visionary leadership, robust infrastructure, and relentless community engagement.
The transformation began in 2016 when Indore’s municipal corporation, under the leadership of then-mayor Malini Gaud and municipal commissioner Manish Singh, made cleanliness a city-wide priority. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Swachh Bharat Mission, launched in 2014, Indore adopted a multi-pronged approach to overhaul its waste management system. The results were staggering: by 2017, Indore claimed the top spot in the Swachh Survekshan, a position it has held ever since.
The Pillars of Indore’s Success
1. Segregation at Source
At the heart of Indore’s success is its rigorous waste segregation policy. Residents are required to separate waste into six categories—wet, dry, hazardous, electronic, sanitary, and medical—before collection. Over 2,000 collection vehicles, equipped with GPS and separate compartments, ensure waste is processed efficiently. Fines for non-compliance and regular awareness campaigns have made segregation a habit, with 95% of households complying, according to municipal data.
2. Zero-Waste Ambition
Indore’s ambition to become a zero-waste city is backed by advanced infrastructure. The city processes 1,500 tons of waste daily, with 100% door-to-door collection. Wet waste is converted into compost and biogas at facilities like the Devguradia plant, while dry waste is recycled into products like plastic granules and RDF (Refuse-Derived Fuel). Hazardous waste is handled at specialized treatment centers, ensuring minimal landfill use. This closed-loop system has made Indore one of India’s few garbage-free cities.
3. Community Engagement
Indore’s cleanliness drive is as much a cultural movement as it is a municipal effort. The “Taza Indore, Swachh Indore” campaign, launched in 2016, mobilized residents, schools, and businesses through street plays, rallies, and workshops. Volunteers, including students and women’s self-help groups, conduct door-to-door campaigns to educate households. The city’s “Swachhata Ambassadors,” local influencers and celebrities, further amplify the message, fostering a sense of civic pride. “Cleanliness is now part of Indore’s identity,” says Ritu Sharma, a local resident and volunteer. “We don’t just follow rules; we own them.”
4. Technology and Innovation
Indore leverages technology to streamline operations. A mobile app allows citizens to report sanitation issues, track collection vehicles, and pay user fees. IoT-enabled bins alert authorities when full, optimizing collection routes. The city’s command-and-control center monitors cleanliness metrics in real-time, ensuring accountability. Additionally, Indore’s “Smart Dustbins” and QR-code-based waste tracking have set new benchmarks for urban sanitation.
5. Public-Private Partnerships
Collaboration with private firms has been crucial. Companies like GreenTech Environ and BVG India manage waste processing and street cleaning, while NGOs like Feedback Foundation support community outreach. These partnerships have scaled operations while keeping costs manageable, with the municipal corporation recovering 60% of waste management expenses through user fees and recycling revenue.
Beyond Cleanliness: Indore’s Broader Impact
Indore’s cleanliness drive has had ripple effects. The city won the National Smart City Award in 2023 for its innovative urban planning, including the transformation of 56 Dukan into a vibrant food and retail hub in just 53 days. Its air quality, ranked among India’s best in the Swachh Vayu Sarvekshan, reflects the city’s holistic approach to environmental sustainability.
Economically, Indore’s clean image has attracted investment, boosting its status as a Tier-2 powerhouse. The city’s coworking sector, exemplified by Smartworks’ recent IPO success, underscores its growing appeal as a business hub. Tourism has also surged, with visitors flocking to landmarks like Rajwada Palace and the clean streets of Sarafa Bazaar, known for its night food market.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite its achievements, Indore faces challenges. A recent controversy involving 6.63 lakh fake voter IDs uncovered in the city raised questions about administrative oversight, though officials clarified it was unrelated to municipal operations. Additionally, a tragic electrocution incident involving a minor during the rainy season highlighted gaps in infrastructure safety, prompting calls for stricter regulations. These incidents underscore the need for vigilance as Indore scales its ambitions.
Maintaining public participation is another hurdle. While compliance is high, sustaining enthusiasm in a city of 3.5 million requires continuous effort. “The challenge is to keep the momentum going,” says municipal commissioner Shivam Verma. “We’re now mentoring other cities to replicate our model, which keeps us accountable.”
A Model for India and Beyond
Indore’s success has positioned it as a mentor city under the Swachh Bharat Mission. Cities like Bhopal, Nagpur, and Mysuru have adopted elements of the Indore Model, with varying success. Internationally, Indore’s waste management system has drawn interest from countries like Indonesia and Bangladesh, with delegations visiting to study its practices.
The city’s eighth consecutive Swachh Survekshan win in 2024, announced alongside Surat, reflects its ability to adapt and innovate. New initiatives, such as expanding biogas production and introducing electric waste collection vehicles, signal Indore’s commitment to staying ahead. Plans for a Vande Bharat train connecting Indore to Mumbai further highlight its growing prominence.
What Lies Ahead?
As Indore celebrates its latest triumph, the city is setting its sights on broader goals. The municipal corporation aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, leveraging renewable energy and green infrastructure. Community-driven projects, like urban farming using compost from wet waste, are gaining traction. Meanwhile, Indore’s mentorship program is expanding, with plans to guide 100 Indian cities by 2027.
“Indore proves that cleanliness is not just about sweeping streets; it’s about building a culture,” says urban planner Dr. Anjali Gupta. “It’s a mindset that other cities can adopt with the right will and systems.”
Indore’s clean sweep is more than a ranking—it’s a testament to what’s possible when a city unites for a common cause. As it retains its crown for the eighth year, Indore continues to inspire, proving that small steps can lead to monumental change.
Last Updated on: Thursday, July 17, 2025 3:02 pm by Aagya Agarwal | Published by: Aagya Agarwal on Thursday, July 17, 2025 3:02 pm | News Categories: News
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